In photovoltaic power generation, there are many different types. This article will introduce some types and differences. Photovoltaic power plants are divided according to scale and function, and are mainly divided into two categories: centralized and distributed.

The centralized photovoltaic power station is a power station specially used for power generation and sales, which occupies a large area and costs a lot. Specifically, it installs photovoltaic arrays in wide areas such as mountains, water surfaces, and deserts. The photovoltaic array generates direct current under sunlight, and then converts direct current into alternating current through an inverter, and connects it to the grid through a booster station. Centralized photovoltaic power plants are usually large in scale, generally above 10MW.

A distributed photovoltaic power station refers to a power station that can sell the generated electricity and use it by itself, with a small footprint and low cost. Specifically, it is a photovoltaic power generation facility built near the user's site. The operation mode is mainly for the user's own use, and the excess electricity can be connected to the Internet. Distributed photovoltaic power generation facilities are characterized by construction according to local conditions, with the principles of clean and efficient, decentralized layout and nearby utilization, making full use of local solar energy resources, replacing and reducing the consumption of fossil energy.

When distributed photovoltaic power plants are installed, they can also be distributed on the surface of buildings. Photovoltaic power plants combined with buildings can be divided into two types: BIPV and BAPV.

BIPV refers to the fact that photovoltaic modules are highly integrated in the building as a part of the building. The photovoltaic module undertakes the function of some building materials. If the photovoltaic material is removed, the function of the building will be affected. BAPV refers to the addition of photovoltaic modules to buildings. The photovoltaic material itself does not undertake any function of the building. If the photovoltaic part is removed, the use of the building will not be affected. This is the mainstream type in the market.

According to different business models, photovoltaic power plants can be divided into mountain light, ground light, fishing light, and agricultural light. Shanguang refers to the construction of photovoltaic power stations on mountainous land, Diguang refers to the construction of photovoltaic power stations on flat land such as the Northwest Gobi area, Yuguang refers to generating electricity while fish farming, and agricultural light refers to planting or grazing at the same time To generate electricity.